Abstract: A query for opaque objects stored within a data store and not currently cached within a cache is received from an application. The query to the data store is passed to the data store, and a handle to memory location is received from the data store at which the data store has temporarily stored a message including the opaque objects. The opaque objects are added to the cache by treating the memory location as a cache entry for the opaque objects. Cache metadata for the cache entry is generated, and along with the handle is stored within a metadata cache entry of a metadata cache structure separate from the message. The handle and the cache metadata can be returned to the application, where the cache metadata can be returned as an opaque context of the cache entry.

Abstract: A query for opaque objects stored within a data store and not currently cached within a cache is received from an application. The query to the data store is passed to the data store, and a handle to memory location is received from the data store at which the data store has temporarily stored a message including the opaque objects. The opaque objects are added to the cache by treating the memory location as a cache entry for the opaque objects. Cache metadata for the cache entry is generated, and along with the handle is stored within a metadata cache entry of a metadata cache structure separate from the message. The handle and the cache metadata can be returned to the application, where the cache metadata can be returned as an opaque context of the cache entry.

Abstract: The system uses an interview approach to the accreditation process implemented on a computer system. The interview involves systematic “walk-through” interview screens that are unique to a particular accreditation process and/or maturity level of accreditation. The model framework in one embodiment organizes the processes and practices of an accreditation standard into a set of domains and maps them across accreditation maturity levels. In order to provide additional structure, the framework also aligns the practices to a set of capabilities within each domain. An embodiment provides a structured interview approach including recommended responses and “help screens.” The responses to the interview process are close ended, matching the requirements of the standard, allowing easier understanding and completion of the process. It also generates documentation required for accreditation, including processes and practices tailored to the individual company.

Abstract: A lip or skin applicator device includes a first housing portion (20) and a second housing portion (60) rotatably connected to the first housing portion. The second housing portion rotates about the first housing portion such that, in the closed position, the product is enclosed within the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and in the open position, the product (90) is exposed and the first housing portion is at least partially housed within the second housing portion. The lip or skin applicator device may include an opening with a plurality of fins (24) into which a portion of a product is inserted.

Abstract: A lip or skin applicator device includes a first housing portion (20) and a second housing portion (60) rotatably connected to the first housing portion. The second housing portion rotates about the first housing portion such that, in the closed position, the product is enclosed within the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and in the open position, the product (90) is exposed and the first housing portion is at least partially housed within the second housing portion. The lip or skin applicator device may include an opening with a plurality of fins (24) into which a portion of a product is inserted.

Abstract: A lip or skin applicator device includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion rotatably connected to the first housing portion. The second housing portion rotates about the first housing portion such that, in the closed position, the product is enclosed within the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and in the open position, the product is exposed and the first housing portion is at least partially housed within the second housing portion. The lip or skin applicator device may include an opening with a plurality of elongated protrusions into which a portion of a product is inserted.

Abstract: An OPO is disclosed capable of rapid frequency tuning by non-mechanical means. The OPO includes a resonant cavity including one or more non-linear crystals in an optical path thereof. A pump laser pulse is transmitted into the resonant cavity simultaneously with a seed beam having a desired wavelength. The output beam from the resonant cavity has the same center wavelength as the seed beam. The wavelength of the seed beam may be modulated at a frequency larger than the pulse rate of the pump laser or larger than the inverse of the pulse duration. The OPO disclosed may be used to perform DIAL analysis wherein intra-pulse modulation of an output beam is used to obtain measurements of absorption at multiple frequencies for each pulse of a pump beam.

Abstract: A storage container having a collapsible unit and a twist cap is described. The collapsible unit is a type of bellows which includes a base and a sidewall attached to the base. The sidewall has a spiral fold that traverses along a portion of the length of that the collapsible unit. The length can be compressed by folding the collapsible unit along the spiral fold. As the length of the collapsible unit is reduced, access to any remaining products, such as acne pad products, stored at the bottom of the collapsible unit can be more conveniently obtained. The cap of the storage container includes a ring collar; a sleeve attached to the ring collar; and a guide attached to the sleeve. When the cap is turned or twisted the guide and the spiral fold are configured to slideably engage each other which results in shortening the length of the collapsible unit.

Abstract: An OPO is disclosed capable of rapid frequency tuning by non-mechanical means. The OPO includes a resonant cavity including one or more non-linear crystals in an optical path thereof. A pump laser pulse is transmitted into the resonant cavity simultaneously with a seed beam having a desired wavelength. The output beam from the resonant cavity has the same center wavelength as the seed beam. The wavelength of the seed beam may be modulated at a frequency larger than the pulse rate of the pump laser or larger than the inverse of the pulse duration. The OPO disclosed may be used to perform DIAL analysis wherein intra-pulse modulation of an output beam is used to obtain measurements of absorption at multiple frequencies for each pulse of a pump beam.

Abstract: A storage container having a collapsible unit and a twist cap is described. The collapsible unit is a type of bellows which includes a base and a sidewall attached to the base. The sidewall has a spiral fold that traverses along a portion of the length of that the collapsible unit. The length can be compressed by folding the collapsible unit along the spiral fold. As the length of the collapsible unit is reduced, access to any remaining products, such as acne pad products, stored at the bottom of the collapsible unit can be more conveniently obtained. The cap of the storage container includes a ring collar; a sleeve attached to the ring collar; and a guide attached to the sleeve. When the cap is turned or twisted the guide and the spiral fold are configured to slidably engage each other which results in shortening the length of the collapsible unit.

Abstract: A fluid applicator device having the interconnected components of a container, a base, a shaft, a piston, a collar, a plurality of fluid conduction pathways and an applicator head is presented. The applicator head is rotatably mounted within the collar and slidably held in place by the inner surface of the collar. The inner surface of the collar also has a plurality of fluid conduction pathways cut into it so that a viscous fluid confined within the container may be flow into the fluid conduction pathways and onto the applicator head so that it may be soothingly applied onto a portion of a user's epidermis such as onto the lips of a user. The method of using the applicator device includes the acts of manipulating, obtaining, pressing, removing, returning, rolling, and withdrawing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wind profiling using a lighter than air tracer balloon moving under the influence of air currents. A retroreflective target is attached to the tracer balloon to improve the intensity of a return signal reflected back to the rangefinder. After the balloon is released, the rangefinder and attitude sensor are used to measure the range and direction angles of the retroreflective target on the tracer balloon at periodic time intervals.

Abstract: An OPO is disclosed capable of rapid frequency tuning by non-mechanical means. The OPO includes a resonant cavity including one or more non-linear crystals in an optical path thereof. A pump laser pulse is transmitted into the resonant cavity simultaneously with a seed beam having a desired wavelength. The output beam from the resonant cavity has the same center wavelength as the seed beam. The wavelength of the seed beam may be modulated at a frequency larger than the pulse rate of the pump laser or larger than the inverse of the pulse duration. The OPO disclosed may be used to perform DIAL analysis wherein intra-pulse modulation of an output beam is used to obtain measurements of absorption at multiple frequencies for each pulse of a pump beam.

Abstract: Systems for obtaining data regarding a volume of atmosphere can include a lidar transceiver. Some systems include scanning devices that are capable of directing laser beams produced by the lidar transceiver in a pattern that sweeps through the volume of atmosphere. Information regarding light that is backscattered from the laser beams can be used to construct a three-dimensional data set. In some methods, wind-field information can be extracted from the three-dimensional data set.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system and method of using same is presented. The medication dispensing system includes a base, a cap and pills. The base has plurality of concave niches for housing the pills. The cap is rotatably attached to the base in which the cap has a dispensing orifice for dispensing the pills. The medication dispensing system may also have a packaging unit containing a pill box composed of the base, cap and pills. The method of using the medication dispensing system includes the steps of obtaining, opening, inserting, removing, retrieving, turning, and rotating.

Abstract: A storage container having a collapsible unit and a twist cap is described. The collapsible unit is a type of bellows which includes a base and a sidewall attached to the base. The sidewall has a spiral fold that traverses along a portion of the length of that the collapsible unit. The length can be compressed by folding the collapsible unit along the spiral fold. As the length of the collapsible unit is reduced, access to any remaining products, such as acne pad products, stored at the bottom of the collapsible unit can be more conveniently obtained. The cap of the storage container includes a ring collar; a sleeve attached to the ring collar; and a guide attached to the sleeve. When the cap is turned or twisted the guide and the spiral fold are configured to slidably engage each other which results in shortening the length of the collapsible unit.

Abstract: A fluid applicator device having the interconnected components of a container, a base, a shaft, a piston, a collar, a plurality of fluid conduction pathways and an applicator head is presented. The applicator head is rotatably mounted within the collar and slidably held in place by the inner surface of the collar. The inner surface of the collar also has a plurality of fluid conduction pathways cut into it so that a viscous fluid confined within the container may be flow into the fluid conduction pathways and onto the applicator head so that it may be soothingly applied onto a portion of a user's epidermis such as onto the lips of a user. The method of using the applicator device includes the acts of manipulating, obtaining, pressing, removing, returning, rolling, and withdrawing.

Abstract: An emollient applicator particularly suited for use with liquid, semi-solid ointment or gel lip care products. The applicator tip has protrusions that may be hard or soft and resilient for exfoliating and massaging a user's lips. The dispensing tube is preferably a solid tube. The driving mechanism and applicator tip are sealed with the dispensing tube to allow for use of a liquid, semi-solid ointment or gel within the applicator.

Abstract: A dual regimen acne treatment package includes an outer container, and disposed within the outer container first and second inner containers which are separate from each other. Each of the inner containers has an exposed dispensing means, the first inner container containing a solubilized salicylic acid acne treatment composition, and the second inner container containing a solubilized benzoyl peroxide acne treatment composition.